HC Deb 30 January 1969 vol 776 c1496
3. Mr. Fred Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has studied the memorandum submitted to him by the hon. Member for Caerphilly on industrial development along the Heads of the Valleys road; and what action he proposes to take in this matter.

Mrs. White

My right hon. Friend has studied the memorandum and when he sees the proposals in their final form will consult my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade about any further action which it may be desirable to take.

Mr. Evans

Is the Minister aware that an extremely serious situation is developing in the upper part of the Rhymny Valley? Is she also aware that one colliery employing 680 men closed before Christmas, that one of the very few factories in the area employing 280 people is due to close in February, and that a further colliery employing 1,100 men is threatened with imminent closure? Will the Minister, in the circumstances, please pay close attention to this or any other scheme which may be submitted to ameliorate the situation?

Mrs. White

My right hon. Friend is, of course, concerned about the difficulties which have been mentioned by my hon. Friend and for that reason he is anxious to have the final proposals submitted to him.